In ‘n Out
As you all know from my previous entries, we are all moved in to our new apartment, but the burden of the week has been that we are not yet all moved out of our old one. We thought it was a job that would have been finished in only one or two days, but it has taken all week and we are still not finished preparing the place for our check-out date. This reminds me of our old sin nature that is continually trying to steal the joy of our new life in Christ.
I’ve been giving alot of thought the last few days to the trapping nature of sin. I notice in my own life that there are certain sins I have somehow in my human error labeled as “smaller” sins such as exaggerations, attitudes and laziness. In this light approach to sin I can become trapped in self-deception and calloused toward conviction. Instead I should take care to maintain a very heavy perspective on sin, knowing that it is a deliberate action against God and His Word. I should respond quickly to conviction in repentance and change. I think if this were my approach to sin and repentance I would be much closer to the Lord than I am today. Unfortunately this is probably not just the case for me. I often hear people justifying and excusing their as they brush aside laziness, gossip, lies and attitudes as simply “normal human struggles”.
People blame their struggle with sin on temptation. But Scripture shows us that it is not temptation that is the problem, but our inability to stay focused on Christ. James 1:14 says, “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” This is not just some event that happens upon us. Like the commonly claimed story that I was simply walking along and *boom* Satan was there and I was trapped and eventually sinned! No, James shows us that this is surely not the case. We are tempted and drawn away by our own desires. In one day we constantly want things be it physical–food, pleasure, possessions or maybe non-physical–we desire acceptance, approval, a compliment or some feeling. This is the point at which we must deal with sin. Not at the action or behavior, not the thought or word, but the desire. This is our sin in it’s beginning form–desire.
On Wednesday in our high school Bible study we discussed what it means to be “pure in heart” from Matthew 5. It is not difficult to see the connection between a pure heart and holiness. The very idea of pure makes me think “free from sin”. In my small group we talked some about reading and studying the Bible and how this is important in our pursuit to be free from sin. I asked each girl to share how she is doing with that command and as we went around the table it was clear that we have all been at different places in that regard. Some find it difficult to read at all, some are learning to give up precious sleep in the morning to spend time in the Word and others are somewhere in between. I know that I have been at each place. I remember thinking that the Bible was boring, not reading it at all. I remember a time I was very passionate about the Word and read it with friends and even kept a journal of each thing that challenged or encouraged me from what I read each day. And I have also been at the place where studying the Word was simply on and off. What made it this way? Was it my changing schedule during the different seasons of my life? Was it because I have graduated from school now and must work all day or that I just don’t have time for it? None of these seeming contributors to my not studying the Word are the reason. The reason is that my desire lay elsewhere. And in that same train of thought I have often heard it said of Scripture, “God’s Word will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from God’s Word.”
I’ve been reading this week in Psalm 119 and many verses proclaim clearly that the only way that we can cut the struggles we have with temptation and sin is by immersing ourselves into the Word of God. Verses 9-11 say
Not just hearing it, but doing it. Unfortunately we are often like I am about our old apartment…eventually I will get around to cleaning this place up. We think that eventually we can get around to reading or obeying the Bible. God’s Word does not warrant or even accept such delays in our action. But we won’t ever know what He says to us unless we are more “in” His Word than “out”. I hope that you will pray with me to have a swift obedience to His commands. As the Psalmist says later in Psalm 119 verses 59-60
October 28th, 2005
wow, sis, it is so true like you said, that “God’s Word will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from God’s Word”. It was so good to talk to you yesterday, I am glad you share and challenge, wishing I could frequent your small group more.
October 28th, 2005
Sometimes the sin that keeps us from “time in the Word” comes wrapped up in an adorable ball of flesh called BABY.
What we need to realize beyond all you encourged is that IF and WHEN we are afforded circumstances that ALLOW us to have that “time in the Word,” IF we GET to obey — that, in itself is a blessing.
I put “time in the Word” in quotes because you’ll do well to accept early in your baby’s life that your “quiet time” isn’t going to often look as it has up to this time. You must reject the prescribed coffee-and-bible-at-the-kitchen-table-before-anyone-wakes-up scenario or you will inevitably trap yourself in a works mentality.
Don’t get me wrong! Meditate on His Word, but be o.k. with a new format.
Enjoy these days! There is nothing like the anticipation of a 1st baby — except, of course, raising the baby.
October 29th, 2005
May I add to the above comment, that biblically speaking, obedience is never a case of “get to” and ESPECIALLY not a case of “if” or “when”. “Get to” implies a life of ease. For the child of God, one who has a life totally surrendered to Christ, life will never be one of ease. We bear a yoke, and yeah, obedience will be difficult. Breaking apart from our sin nature from which stems laziness and apathy, we can expect difficulty. But as Christians, we’re called to this. This is what glorifies God, baby or no baby. Sanctification is a process and should have to wait for no one.
keep posting!
Love you, sis.
October 29th, 2005
I think we’re suffering the curse that disrupts our ability to communicate a common thought…”get to” has been a new and perfect place that the Lord has brought me to this year so that I could better understand His Grace and how completely and solely dependent on it I am.
I am not speaking of laziness. I’m speaking of being up all night, quite literally sometimes, nursing or medicating or rocking a sick baby and not being able to (or “getting to”) think another thought so as to spend time in the Word in the manner so glibly prescribed by many well-meaning committed Christians these days.
Monica, I’m glad you brought to my attention the problems with my clear-as-mud exhortation to your sister.
By the way, how many children do you have?
October 31st, 2005
Monica- Thanks for your comments. The truthfulness of your second comment rings loud and clear from Scripture. Thank you for pointing out that, “…as Christians, we’re called to this.” We are called to sanctification, to obedience and to totally surrender. I appreciate how refreshingly Biblical your thoughts are on this matter.
Anonymous- I have no idea who you are, but I do wish that you would have had the courage to identify yourself since you obviously had much to say, even though most of what you said sadly has almost nothing to do with the heart of my blog entry.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to offer your personal experiences regarding family and Bible study. My beliefs, however, are quick to deviate from the perspective that you present in your comments. The things that you stated that I found to be Biblically problematic are as follows:
Quote: “Sometimes the sin that keeps us from ‘time in the Word’ comes wrapped up in adorable ball of flesh called BABY.”
It would not be Biblically accurate to say that any baby is sin. Psalm 127:3 clearly states, “Behold, children are a blessing from the Lord…” I would agree, however, if you meant that we can allow a baby to become an idol in our lives. With the idolatry being the sin, yes, that sin would keep us from “time in the Word”. If you meant this, I wonder if you missed the part in the entry where I addressed the many ways we allow our hearts to be divided against God…the first of which seems to be family. Psalm 119 speaks so loudly on this need to seek and be devoted to God with our whole heart. It is not a matter of something that “keeps” us from “time in the Word” but rather that we choose to be disobedient by neglecting the Word. As Monica said so well
Quote: “…we can expect difficulty. But as Christians, we are called to this…what glorifies God, baby or no baby.”
Romans 1:20 is clear that no man has any legitimate excuse for not worshiping and obeying their Creator. Baby, family, distractions, difficult circumstances, busy schedule-we have no excuse for not obeying Him. This brings me to my second problem with your comments.
You warn me to not trap myself in a “works mentality” but then continue to project one in your own expressed opinion. The life of a believer is obedience. 1 John 2:3 says, “By this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”
Quote: “…IF and WHEN we are afforded circumstances that ALLOW us to have that ‘time in the Word’, IF we GET to obey–that, in itself is a blessing.”
Implying that our obedience is based in or somehow connected to “ifs” and “when’s” is simply not found in Scripture. Matthew 16:24 says “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” Jesus does not say, “when circumstances allow, follow Me” or “when it is convenient, follow Me” or “When you are afforded the chance to, follow Me.” No, Scripture resounds with the call to deny self and follow. This call is regardless of all circumstances whether or not there are any difficulties even if they are physical–lack of sleep, sickness, or a busy schedule. “Follow Me” this command to believers is to be obeyed above and in spite of all opposition and external difficulty. If we truly are solely dependent on and understanding God’s grace we will focus much more on His promise when He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Rather than focusing on the opposition and difficulties that our circumstances present. Ifs, when’s, circumstances and difficulties are all a dim point when the light of Scripture sheds truth on the reality of sin, obedience and the seriousness of following Christ. I will never be “o.k.” with anything less than this.
My third problem with your comments is how you continually place heavy weight on experience rather than Scripture. This is a very sad and common problem in the lives of so many believers today. The way we bank on what we’ve encountered in our life’s events rather than on the Truth of God’s Word is truly sickening. Many people who call themselves believers seem so quick to first state that they have, for example, struggled early on in their baby’s life with being devoted to the study of Scripture or pained in raising a child with the strains this presents on time and emotions, stayed up all night nursing, medicating, or rocking a sick baby. The conglomeration of life experience to many seems to out-weigh or even override Scripture because instead of saying, “What does God call us to do?” We say, “How many children do you have to warrant your opinion on this matter?”
1 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His glory and virtue.” Scripture is completely and on it’s own sufficient for all of life’s questions, problems and situations. God’s Word stands entirely aside from and above all experience and reason of men. I definitely see that experience, especially in terms of having children and raising a family is good for advice and learning different techniques that work, such as putting a child on a sleep and feeding schedule or how to reward or discipline children. But this will never replace the clear and complete commands of Scripture that guide and direct our every step as a wife, parent, sibling, friend or employee. Personal experience will never elevate to this role or even compare in value to what God says directly to our lives.
I am glad that you were reading my blog, but I am sad to think that you have entirely missed the point of the heart behind my words. I accept any exhortation, whether it be Biblical in it’s challenge or simply clear-as-mud. I am learning as I grow in the Lord and I am thankful that you commented. I hope that we can both profit from this discussion.
October 31st, 2005
Preach it Christa!
Just thought I’d come by and say hi!
October 31st, 2005
What a long and complete post…wow! I, too, enjoy writing and have even been accused of having some talent at it, but you won’t see that here because I don’t “get to” sit down with my thoughts for very long before the practical needs of God’s calling for me as a mother demand my attention…here comes one now, excuse me while I turn her attention elsewhere.
There…I’m back. Yes! Children are a blessing from the Lord. I know that on many levels.
I was only trying to treat you as I wish someone had treated me when I was overwhelmed with the practical demands of the high calling of motherhood! I needed to know that my time in the Word could take another form and still be valid.
At my church Sunday, we learned about eating and abiding in Jesus.
Before I had children, I enjoyed a leisurely meal at an outdoor patio restaurant, but these days my physical nourishment is often taken in quickly over the kitchen sink — it’s what my time affords.
Much the same, I used to meditate for great lengths of time over the Word and in prayer. Now, I listen to the Word on CD while I’m ironing clothes for a family of 5, I read and memorize the Word during the morning devotions I share with my children. A couple times a week, I RELISH the opportunity to sit down — alone, alert and uninterupted with my wonderful Savior. Those are my “get to” moments. He gives me those because my calling precludes me from simply taking them anymore. Can you see?
Everything I claim as His child is because He has made it possible for me to “get to.” I “get to” be a child of God because He chose me and did His regenerate work in me. I “get to” hunger for His Word because He places that desire in my heart. I “get to” memorize His Word because I have a brain that works, I “get to” understand what I’m memorizing because He has given me the Holy Spirit to teach me, I “get to” be fruitful and multiply because He has made life in my womb, I “get to” regard children as a blessing because He changed my heart.
Can you understand? Or do you still regard me as a sister-in-Christ who is walking in disobedience and error?
November 1st, 2005
Dear Anonymous,
You go girl! Christa’s just young still and while she likes to preach, she lacks in true life experience. When the baby comes and she pulls some all-nighters she will suddenly have an epiphany and give us another wonderful sermon on how God has taught her some new lesson on depending on him. Only then it will take her a week to before she can find the time to post it. Or she’ll be posting at some lovely hour like 2:00 a.m. because that’s when she’s up. Personally I find this blog rather oppressive and lacking in the joy of the Lord.
November 1st, 2005
Christa, I wonder why Anonymous #2 is posting comments on your blog that aren’t even addressed to you! Maybe they don’t want to take ownership of their thoughts? Or they must like the fact that they’re free to repudiate them later with not responsibility.
Either way, I’m thankful for your blog and would never tell someone younger than me that their youthfulness is a crutch. Instead I’d encourage them from 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”
Also, I agree with you and Bobby that God gave us his truth so that we can grow pre-emptively to experience. I wouldn’t limit my definition of “true life experience” to only females who have given birth.
Thanks for the reminder that we should respond quickly to conviction in repentance and change. I can’t think of a better way to affirm the authority of Scripture than immediate obedience by the grace of God.
PS - Don’t ever name your baby ‘Anonymous.’ From the comments on your post, it seems people with that name are inclined to nothing but spineless ad hominem!
November 1st, 2005
Christa,
Wow, you have two anonymous critics responding to your blog. I have encountered many anonymous critics and I want to give you some advise from what I have learned.
1. Look for the Positive
These critics apparently have some parenting experience and they are warning you that children, while a blessing, are a challenge. The demands of raising a child will test your commitment to studying God’s Word. Your days will be stretched in ways that you have not faced before. So, prepare yourself now and begin to think through what you will do when you have to pull an all nighter with a sick baby.
2. Do Not Try to Respond
It is like picking up a dog by the ears. The howling just gets louder. In this case your response brought in a cheerleader/critic to the first citic.
3. Move On
Anonymous critics don’t want to resolve anything, that’s why they remain anonymous. So take what you can (see #1) and move on. Moving on may involve deleting comments from anonymous critics.
In case your anonymous critics are wondering who I am - I am the soon-to-be grandfather of the child Christa is carrying and I couldn’t be happier that Christa is my daughter-in-law and will be the mother of my grandson.
November 1st, 2005
I’m Anonymous #1 but you can call me “Michelle” if it pleases you. We have been introduced once, but you surely wouldn’t remember me. Women my age tend to be invisible to women your age — it’s only natural.
I’m sorry that your friend Bradford gave in to his flesh and included that last “jab.” That wasn’t necessary and certainly wasn’t profitable.
I’m also sorry that I ever said anything! How ugly this has turned. All of this from a simple statement about how different time in the Word will look after baby (toddler/child/adolescent)! The Lord knows my heart in making that post, and I am grateful that He alone is my judge.
Whew. What a fall.
I still choose to believe that the problem has more to do with perspective than anything else though. I know what I’m thinking, but it’s too personal to post. Suffice it to say there are situations in this fallen world in which the only choices given all fall short of the glory of God and are therefore sin…I have lived it. Have you ever had to choose the lesser of two evils in your personal walk with the Lord? Have you ever known the heartache of knowing that following one conviction jeopardizes another?
Let’s see, how to help you begin to see what I’m saying? Have you ever seen Sophie’s Choice? Do you remember when Meryl Streep is forced by a Nazi to choose which of her children to keep with her and which to send to certain death as they are all assigned to the concentration camps?
How about the real-life story of a Russian woman who, during the hostage situation there a little over a year ago, was forced to choose to stay with her 6-year old girl or leave with her nursing baby (thereby surely saving his life)? By the way, she left and the daughter she left behind survived the explosions — how would you counsel them?
Again I say don’t misunderstand me! I believe in the all-sufficient Word of God, but I know now that it is narrow to believe that He gives us a perfect human answer to our very human troubles. That sounds like a reference book, and we know that the Living Word is so much more than that! In my case, where there was no perfect answer, the sufficiency I found was that my works are as filthy rags, and I thanked God for a Savior. I had only His Grace to lean on. I will never, ever again allow myself to take any credit for my own obedience — it’s all His!
November 1st, 2005
Christa…
Have I been a critic? How? When? Where?
I thought we were having a discussion we could both profit from?
If your father-in-law doesn’t speak for you in this situation, I hope you won’t erase our dialog. I would still like to know your thoughts.
November 1st, 2005
My anonymous comment was not meant to incite such a riot or take away from the point that “Michelle” makes. This was the first time I’ve ever bothered to even comment on anyone’s blog. I don’t blog myself, I prefer in person conversation, (you can clear up misconceptions right away.) So I think I’ll stear clear of this from now on, but what can I say I was curious as to what everyone saw in this blogging.
I admire you for teaching the word, however, in doing so what you say and how you say it can sometimes sound less like teaching and more like criticism. When you say, “We think that eventually we can get around to reading or obeying the Bible. God’s Word does not warrant or even accept such delays in our action.” When everyone in your house has the flu (including yourself) and you still have to crawl out of bed to get them something, well I think that God can accept that delay. I’m just trying to say that your lessons can come across as very condemning and sometimes unforgiving (which can equate to critical). Like I said before I don’t see much of the joy of the Lord.
Well this is the end for me. I won’t be back to hassle you or to read anymore. I think that “Michelle” has some good things to say.